Search Results (4,749)

Bats have unique reproductive strategies that are closely related to testicular metabolic adaptations, such as prolonged sperm storage. This study examined the expression of glucose transporter 5 (GLUT-5), a fructose-specific member of the facilitative glucose transporter family, in the testes of roundleaf bats (Hipposideros spp.) collected from various locations in Thailand during their active reproductive season (July to September) and explored its association with biometric traits. To assess GLUT-5’s localization and expression levels, testicular tissues from 50 adult males representing Hipposideros larvatus, Hipposideros armiger, and Hipposideros lekaguli species were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Strong GLUT-5 immunoreactivity was observed in the cytoplasm of spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa, while weak staining was seen in spermatogonia. No GLUT-5 expression was detected in Leydig or Sertoli cells. Staining intensity varied significantly by month, with the highest levels observed in August (p < 0.05), exceeding those in July and September. Western blotting identified two GLUT-5 isoforms (55 and 100 kDa), with relative intensities that changed across the reproductive timeline. In parallel, morphometric analysis revealed that the height of the germinal epithelium and the diameter of the seminiferous tubules were significantly greater in July than in August and September, reflecting peak spermatogenic activity. These findings suggest that the seasonal regulation of fructose transport, along with changes in testicular architecture, may support testicular function and sperm maturation. The differential expression of GLUT-5 isoforms may reflect their distinct roles in body growth, reproductive maturation, and seasonal testicular activity in Hipposiderid bats. Full article

Forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP) is an important innovation approach in forensics sciences, especially when traditional DNA profiling results are limited, mostly due to the absence of reference samples. FDP is based on the detection of genetic variants in specific genes whose function is related to pigmentation mechanisms and uses the genotypes found in the sample to determine the externally visible traits (EVT) such as the iris, hair, and skin tone or color of the individual; this prediction would help and expedite human identification processes and solve criminal cases. Several technologies have been developed to facilitate EVT prediction; however, most of them have been validated only in European populations. Implementing techniques for FDP in Latin American countries is essential given the problems of disappearance and human identification that have persisted for years. Nonetheless, scientists have a great challenge due to the admixed genetic structure of the population. This review explores the current application of FDP, emphasizing its significance, practical uses, and limitations within Latin American populations. Full article

Waxy rice starch (WRS), characterized by low amylose content, high viscosity, and strong gel-forming ability, is highly valued in food and industrial applications. Temperature-sensitive genic male-sterile (TGMS) lines exhibit complete male sterility under low-temperature conditions, a trait widely exploited in hybrid rice breeding. Here, we generated an elite waxy TGMS line, 520S, via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of the Waxy (Wx) gene. The wx mutants displayed robust male sterility, desirable glutinous traits, and favorable physicochemical properties, including gelatinization temperature, gel consistency, paste viscosity, and amylopectin fine structure. Fertility assays confirmed temperature-sensitive pollen sterility consistent with wild-type responses, and T2 generation mutants were transgene-free with stable inheritance of the waxy phenotype. Notably, wx starch maintained gel stability over 48 h, demonstrating superior hydrocolloidal properties and translucency compared with wild-type and commercial WRS. 520Swx1 retained gelatinization temperature and amylopectin structure comparable to wild type, highlighting the potential of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis to enhance waxy rice yield while preserving starch quality. These findings establish an efficient strategy to improve both production and functional performance of WRS for industrial and food applications. Full article

The evaluation of sperm proteins has emerged as a promising approach to predicting semen quality across animal species. This study investigated the relationship between post-thaw concentrations of precursor A-kinase anchor protein 4 (proAKAP4) and objective sperm quality parameters in goats. Semen was collected from 16 adult goats (Boer, n = 8; Anglo-Nubian, n = 8) and frozen using a standardized protocol with OptiXcell (IMV Technologies, l′Aigle, France) extender (n = 5). After thawing, proAKAP4 concentrations were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while sperm motility and kinematics were assessed with computer-assisted analysis (CASA), and viability, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial activity were evaluated using flow cytometry. Samples were grouped according to low, medium, or high proAKAP4 levels for comparison, and correlations with sperm parameters were examined. The results showed that semen with higher proAKAP4 concentrations had significantly greater total and progressive motility, more favorable kinematic values, and improved viability, plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial function (p < 0.05), whereas acrosome integrity was not influenced (p > 0.05). The average post-thaw proAKAP4 concentration was 38.66 ± 1.11 ng/10⁶ sperm, and no differences were observed between Boer and Anglo-Nubian breeds (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that proAKAP4 is strongly associated with multiple sperm functional traits and may serve as a reliable biomarker for assessing post-thaw semen quality in goats. Full article

Roses (Rosa hybrida) are among the most highly valued ornamental plants worldwide, with flower color serving as a major determinant of consumer preference and commercial success. However, the absence of the flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase (F3′5′H) gene limits delphinidin biosynthesis, making it difficult to achieve blue or purple pigmentation. Vacuolar sodium/proton antiporters (NHX) regulate vacuolar pH and are also implicated in color stability. In this study, we introduced Viola tricolor F3′5′H (VtF3′5′H) and Rosa hybrida NHX (RhNHX) into the rose cultivar ‘Red Farm’ using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The non-native VtF3′5′H gene was detected in transgenic plants but not in the wild type, while RhNHX expression was relatively higher in transgenic plants. Petal anthocyanin content was significantly increased in T1–T4 compared to the wild type, and petal pH was also higher than that of the wild type. Growth and floral traits were also altered. Transgenic plants exhibited shorter stems, reduced stem diameter, more lateral branches, fewer prickles, and more than threefold higher petal numbers. Expression analysis showed reduced GA20-oxidase (GA20ox1) and GA3-oxidase (GA3ox) levels and increased GA2-oxidase (GA2ox) and GA2-oxidase6 (GA2ox6), particularly in stems, suggesting enhanced gibberellin (GA) inactivation. Overexpression of VtF3′5′H and RhNHX led to simultaneous changes in floral pigmentation and plant morphology. These findings indicate that both genes play functional roles in color development and growth regulation in roses. Full article

Lobed leaves play a critical role in enhancing the productivity of sprawling crops like zucchini by improving light capture and boosting photosynthesis. However, the genetic basis in zucchini remains largely unknown. Here, we developed an F₂ population from a cross between the entire-leaf cultivar ‘LR’ and the deeply lobed cultivar ‘Xi’. Genetic analysis showed that the non-lobed trait is dominant, with the F₂ segregation ratios (~9 entire:6 shallowly lobed:1 deeply lobed) indicating digenic inheritance. Using bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq) and kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) marker analysis, we identified a major effect locus at a 79.8 kb interval on chromosome 10. Within in this interval, gene expression profiling and annotation indicated CpARF6, encoding an auxin response factor, to be the prime candidate gene. Sequencing analysis revealed five nonsynonymous mutations in this gene, including a critical serine-to-leucine substitution at position 335 within the auxin response domain, which is likely a loss function mutation. Our findings establish CpARF6 as a critical regulator of lobed leaf formation in zucchini, providing valuable insights for both leaf development studies and zucchini breeding. Full article

Deciphering egg laying-related genetic basis and aggregating its key genes or genetic markers will be helpful for genetic improvement of chicken laying-oriented breeding. Our previous research found adaptor related protein complex 2 mu 1 subunit (AP2M1) gene is a key candidate gene related to egg production. However, its functions and genetic regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to clarify AP2M1 functions and identify its functional variants. Expression characteristic analysis of AP2M1 within and between breeds confirmed the negative regulatory relationship of hypothalamic AP2M1 expression on egg production. Overexpression and interference tests indicated that AP2M1 inhibited GnRH synthesis and secretion in chicken hypothalamic neuron cells. To explore molecular markers influencing AP2M1 expression, a copy number variation (CNV) region containing AP2M1 were verified in different chicken breeds by qRT-PCR; a copy number loss of AP2M1 were observed in layers compared to native breeds, commercial broilers, and wild breed. Correlation analysis between CNV and egg number, as well as differential expression analysis of different copy numbers, indicated that the CNV contributed to the differences in egg production by influencing AP2M1 expression. Meanwhile, through association analysis of whole-genome SNPs in AP2M1 with 13 egg production traits, 15 egg-laying related SNPs were identified. Further difference expression analysis among the different genotypes of SNPs and dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that chr9:15994879T>C was a functional SNP regulating AP2M1 expression. These findings unveil egg laying-related functional molecular markers will help accelerate molecular design breeding process of chicken egg production. Full article

Developing climate-resilient and high-quality cotton cultivars remains an urgent challenge, as the key target traits yield, fibre properties, and stress tolerance are highly polygenic and strongly influenced by genotype–environment interactions. Recent advances in chromosome-scale genome assemblies, pan-genomics, and haplotype-resolved resequencing have greatly enhanced the capacity to identify causal variants and recover non-reference alleles linked to fibre development and environmental adaptation. Parallel progress in functional genomics and precision genome editing, particularly CRISPR/Cas, base editing, and prime editing, now enables rapid, heritable modification of candidate loci across the complex tetraploid cotton genome. When integrated with high-throughput phenotyping, genomic selection, and machine learning, these approaches support predictive ideotype design rather than empirical, trial-and-error breeding. Emerging digital agriculture tools, such as digital twins that combine genomic, phenomic, and environmental data layers, allow simulation of ideotype performance and optimisation of trait combinations in silico before field validation. Speed breeding and phenomic selection further shorten generation time and increase selection intensity, bridging the gap between laboratory discovery and field deployment. However, the large-scale implementation of these technologies faces several practical constraints, including high infrastructural costs, limited accessibility for resource-constrained breeding programmes in developing regions, and uneven regulatory acceptance of genome-edited crops. However, reliance on highly targeted genome editing may inadvertently narrow allelic diversity, underscoring the need to integrate these tools with broad germplasm resources and pangenomic insights to sustain long-term adaptability. To realise these opportunities at scale, standardised data frameworks, interoperable phenotyping systems, robust multi-omic integration, and globally harmonised, science-based regulatory pathways are essential. This review synthesises recent progress, highlights case studies in fibre, oil, and stress-resilience engineering, and outlines a roadmap for translating integrative genomics into climate-smart, high-yield cotton breeding programmes. Full article

Northern hardwood forests of the Lake Superior region face a series of novel disturbance pressures including canopy dieback. Previous studies have linked regional sugar-maple (Acer saccharum) canopy dieback to introduced earthworms, which may have coinciding impacts on the ground-layer plant community. Dieback–earthworm interactions may lead to important longer-term changes in forest structure and function, but these relationships but have not been characterized. We sampled ground-layer plant communities in five national forest units in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota in 2010, and again just over a decade later in 2021. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination and indicator species analysis were used to assess relationships among ground-layer community composition and structure, functional traits, and environmental gradients including forest-floor condition and A. saccharum canopy dieback. Increases in dieback and earthworm disturbance in the decade between inventories were accompanied by a marked divergence in observed ground-layer plant community structure between national forests. Ordinations of 2021 data indicated a strengthening relationship between forest-floor condition and earthworm abundance. Our results suggest that earthworm impacts and A. saccharum dieback are driving changes in the ground layer on broad geographic and temporal scales, with short- and long-term implications for plant-community structure and function, and higher trophic levels. Full article

This study was undertaken to evaluate tropical species: Calophyllum brasiliense, Bravaisia integerrima, Roseodendron donnell-smithii, Piscidia piscipula, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, and Dialium guianense. The seeds were arranged in a completely randomized design under conditions of 50% shading and analyzed using the repeated measures method. In the experiment, growth was evaluated for six months after germination, and seedling morphology and phyllotaxis were described. The parameters stem height (SH), SH relative growth rate (SRGR), stem basal diameter (BD), BD relative growth rate (DRGR), number of juvenile leaves, and survivorship were recorded. Regression curves were generated with the SH and BD data. Seeds with greater length values produced seedlings with improved morphological traits, E. cyclocarpum and C. brasiliense, regardless of their functional morphology. Germination began 7 to 10 days after sowing. The average survivorship was 70.1% at six months. The highest values in seedling SH at six months were obtained in E. cyclocarpum and C. brasiliense. The number of leaves was greatest in C. brasiliense and D. guianense. Considering the features desirable for a nursery plant, production of the following species is considered feasible: B. integerrima, C. brasiliense, Piscidia piscipula, and Enterolobium cyclocarpum. The regression curves showed the tendency of the plants to present more rapid growth in the first months after germination. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sensory-specific satiety (SSS) refers to the decrease in pleasantness of a food after repeated consumption, while other foods remain appealing. Despite its significance in hedonic food perception, the underlying mechanisms of SSS remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the neurobiological basis of SSS and its relationship with body weight and hedonic food perception. Methods: Twenty-three healthy individuals with varying body weights underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during a novel gustatory stimulation procedure. SSS was induced by repeated exposure to glucose, during which the hedonic perception of a neutral stimulus increased. Results: We found that SSS was associated with a network of brain regions related to reward and taste processing, including the lateral orbitofrontal cortex. Increased activation in the medial prefrontal cortex was related to both the expectation and receipt of a neutral stimulus with increased hedonic value during SSS. Finally, higher body weight was related to decreased activation in the medial prefrontal cortex, whereas an increased tendency for food craving was associated with increased activation of the lateral orbitofrontal cortex during SSS. Conclusions: Our results extend previous findings of an orbitofrontal-cortex-mediated shift in hedonic perception of food during SSS and show that the medial prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in reward value modulation during SSS. Furthermore, our results indicate that increased BMI and trait food craving are associated with altered reward processing during SSS. Taken together, our results provide new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying changes in hedonic food perception during SSS. Full article

Introduced species of trees and shrubs used in landscaping of cities in the steppe zone are exposed to the combined negative impact of the ever-increasing load of various anthropogenic factors and unfavorable zonal natural and climatic conditions. In this regard, the assessment of the degree of plant resistance to unfavorable factors in the urban ecosystems of the steppe zone is a necessary condition for rationalizing the selection of the assortment and improving the condition of green spaces. This paper presents the results of the analysis of the vital state of 5509 representatives of 78 introduced species of trees and shrubs growing along the road and transport network in the territory with increased anthropogenic pressure. The age structure of plantings, as well as a number of biological and ecological characteristics of the species composition, are analyzed. The variation in the level of vitality in groups united by individual characteristics—taxonomic affiliation, geographical origin, morphobiological characteristics (habitus), growth rate and age of plants—is shown, and groups with the highest level of vitality are identified. As a result, a number of criteria are selected that can serve as indirect markers of plant adaptability to the ecological conditions of steppe zone cities when forming an assortment for landscaping. Using the examples of the features “plant height” and “plant age”, the species-specific reaction of plants is shown, expressed in the limitation of growth and development, as well as the reduction of life expectancy under conditions of increased anthropogenic and climatic loads. The data obtained can be used to adjust the species composition of urban trees and shrubs, optimize their ratio and spatial and functional placement, and thereby optimize the operational characteristics of green spaces and increase the duration of their use. Full article

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inflammasome signalling are intercon-nected processes which underpin tumour progression, metastasis, and therapeutic re-sistance. Inflammasomes such as NLRP3 encourage pro-inflammatory states (IL-1β, IL-18, NF-κB) and the activation of signalling pathways like TGF-β that promote mes-enchymal traits crucial for EMT. EMT transcriptional programmes can then in turn modulate the inflammasome via NF-κB/TGF-β signalling, creating self-perpetuating mechanisms of cellular plasticity and dysregulated therapeutic response. We have re-viewed the mechanistic evidence for EMT–inflammasome crosstalk in cancer and discussed the potential therapeutic implications. The function of the EMT-inflammasome axis is clearly context-dependent, with the cancer type, stage, and the complexity of the tumour microenvironment heavily contributing. The crosstalk between EMT and the inflammasome is an overlooked mechanism of tumour evolution, and targeting inflammasomes like NLRP3, or their downstream signalling pathways, offers a promising therapeutic avenue, with the objective of inhibiting metastasis and overcoming drug resistance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Morphological defects such as limb malformations, cranial asymmetries, loin deviations, jaw misalignments, and navel irregularities are associated with early culling and reduced productivity in beef cattle. In Bos taurus indicus such as Nellore, the genetic basis of these traits remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to investigate the genetic architecture of six morphological defects in Nellore cattle, namely feet and legs malformation, chamfer asymmetry, fallen hump, loin deviation, jaw misalignment, and navel irregularities, via a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach tailored for binary traits. Methods: Depending on the trait, the number of genotyped animals analyzed ranged from 3369 to 23,206, using 385,079 SNPs (after quality control). Analyses were conducted using a linear mixed model framework adapted for binary outcomes. Results: Significant associations were identified for four traits: feet and legs, chamfer, hump, and loin. No significant markers were detected for jaw or navel defects, likely due to lower sample sizes and trait incidence. Gene annotation revealed 49 candidate genes related to feet and legs, 4 for chamfer, 4 for hump, and 6 for loin. Conclusions: Candidate genes were enriched for biological functions, including bone remodeling, muscle development, lipid metabolism, and epithelial organization. Overlaps with QTL related to conformation, feed intake, reproductive traits, and carcass quality were also observed. These findings provide novel insights into the genetic control of morphological defects in Nellore cattle and may inform breeding strategies aimed at improving structural soundness. Full article

The Aubrac cattle breed, native to France and increasingly adopted in Eastern Europe, is known for producing tender, flavorful, and well-marbled beef. Despite its growing popularity, limited data exist on its nutritional profile and implications for human health. This study evaluates carcass traits and protein quality in the Longissimus dorsi muscle of male and female Aubrac cattle raised under semi-intensive systems. Special attention was given to essential and semi-essential amino acids, which exceeded FAO/WHO reference requirements by 60.25%, 97.43%, and 221.49% for children, youth individuals, and adults, respectively, confirming superior protein quality. The high amino acid concentration (up to 30.59 g/100 g protein) and biological value confirm superior protein quality. Furthermore, the fatty acid profile reveals a favorable balance between saturated and unsaturated fats, with oleic acid predominance and a moderate atherogenic index, suggesting cardiovascular benefits. These findings support classifying Aubrac beef as a functional protein source with potential health advantages, reinforcing its role in sustainable cattle production, dietary planning, and consumer education. This study provides insights into factors influencing beef quality, connecting cattle breed and production system with nutritional value and health benefits. Full article